Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of children dropping out of school in mining communities, blaming the crisis on rampant illegal mining activities.
Speaking during a church service at the COCIN Headquarters in Jos, the governor revealed that school enrollment in local government areas like Bassa, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi has plummeted, with many classrooms nearly empty.
Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, which he identified as a major factor pulling children out of school and into hazardous labor.
“Last week, I ordered a raid on all illegal mining camps across the state. This is not about depriving anyone of their livelihood, but the consequences of illegal mining are devastating,” he explained.
According to recent findings, many parents in Bassa are sending their children to work in mines instead of classrooms, deepening the crisis of child labor. The governor urged community and religious leaders to help reverse the trend through enlightenment campaigns.
“I appeal to you as community leaders to take up this cause. May God place this burden on your hearts so that you will rise above all affiliations and speak to your people. The church will play a crucial role, and we will stand by our religious leaders in this effort,” Mutfwang stated.
Beyond education, the governor warned of the environmental dangers of illegal mining, which leads to land degradation, destabilizes residential areas, and threatens public infrastructure.
On security, Mutfwang reassured residents that his administration will resist any attempts to destabilize Plateau State. He emphasized that while the people of Plateau are welcoming, their values, traditions, and institutions must be respected.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the long-term socio-economic and environmental consequences of unregulated mining in the state.
